Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act

This bill would reauthorize the Social Security Administration’s authority to conduct demonstration projects within the Social Security Disability Insurance program through 2031. These voluntary projects would test temporary policy changes designed to help beneficiaries remain in the workforce, provided that participation does not reduce an individual's total income. Additionally, the bill would require the agency to notify Congress 120 days before starting a project and specifies that administrative costs must be paid from appropriated funds.

This bill affects Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries who choose to participate in voluntary demonstration projects designed to promote workforce attachment. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is also impacted, as the legislation reauthorizes its authority to conduct these projects and mandates specific reporting requirements to Congress. Additionally, the bill specifies that administrative expenses for these projects must be paid from funds appropriated for administration.

• Reauthorization of SSDI demonstration projects. The bill extends the Social Security Administration’s authority to conduct demonstration projects within the Social Security Disability Insurance program through 2031. These projects test temporary policy changes designed to encourage beneficiaries to remain in or return to the workforce.
• Beneficiary protections and voluntary participation. Participation in any demonstration project must be voluntary for the beneficiary. Additionally, the Social Security Administration must ensure that an individual's total income is not reduced as a result of participating in a project.
• Project funding and administrative expenses. The bill mandates that all administrative costs associated with carrying out these demonstration projects must be paid using funds specifically appropriated for administration.
• Enhanced congressional notification and reporting. The Social Security Administration is required to notify Congress 120 days before starting a new demonstration project, an increase from the previous 90-day requirement. This advance notice must include specific evaluation metrics for the proposed project.

• H.R. 8884, Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act
  Jun 26, 2026 · As reported by the House Committee on Ways and Means on June 25, 2026

The bill reauthorizes the Social Security Administration’s authority to conduct demonstration projects through 2031. It also requires the agency to report to Congress 120 days before initiating a project.

This bill reauthorizes the Social Security Administration’s authority to conduct demonstration projects within the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, which previously expired on December 31, 2022. It also modifies existing law by increasing the required advance notification period for reporting these projects to Congress from 90 days to 120 days.

The bill aims to promote workforce participation among Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries by reauthorizing the Social Security Administration's authority to conduct demonstration projects that test temporary policy changes. It seeks to ensure these projects are voluntary, do not reduce a participant's total income, and include enhanced reporting requirements for congressional oversight.